In describing how we can "build influence in a world of competing ideas," Butman suggests that we look for "iconic moments," even from childhood, where an insight grabbed hold of you and persists in your thoughts.

Some believe companies are great because of leadership. Others fervently think it's agile collaboration and innovation. Some say luck or serendipity play a larger role in this increasingly random, complex and connected world.

Think of a tough challenge you're facing right now. Conventional training would lead you to work through solutions, analyze, evaluate, benchmark, measure, and research your way to the cure, the solution, or the discovery.